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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Mr. David Bell
Mr. David Bell, one of New Zealand's old soldiers, was born in Kerry, Ireland, in 1838, his father being a soldier in the 65th regiment. Leaving school at fifteen, Mr Bell enlisted in his father's regiment, being sent to London and Afterwards to Portsmouth. He was in the Isle of Wight when a draft from the 65th and 58th regiments was sent from the depôt to New Zealand. The detachment—of which Mr. Bell was one—arrived in Auckland in June, 1854, by the ship “Egmont,” and was sent on to Wellington, Mr. Bell joining the band of the regiment. When the 65th regiment was called to Auckland, to relieve the 58th regiment, recalled to England, he remained in New Zealand, and returning to Auckland, was sent to the front when war broke out in Taranaki. After some active service, his company was ordered back to Auckland to reinforce the garrison till the arrival of the 14th regiment from England, after which he was sent to the front, where he remained till the difficulty was settled. He served under General Cameron in the Auckland campaign, being engaged in making roads from Drury to the Queen's Redoubt and Waikato River in the Waikato district. Mr. Bell was amongst those chosen for the well-known Flying Column, which, with, such officers as Colonel Nixon, Major Walmsley, Captain Pye, Ensign (now Lieut-Colonel) McDonnell, and the famous Von Tempsky, kept the means of communication open in difficult times in the Waikato. He also saw active service at the Queen's Redoubt, Pokono Hill, I'e Awamutn, Dtahuhu, the Gate Pah, and at other engagements. When peacs was proclaimed in Te Awamutu and Waikato the officers reformed the Band, Mr. Bell being appointed Band Sergeant and Band Master. They also offered to send Mr. Bell, on the regiment's return to England, to Weller Hall Military School of Music for three years at their own expense to improve his knowledge. Mr. Bell, however, declined the offer, and took his discharge at Otahuhu when peace was declared. He became Band master of the Wellington City and Wanganui No. 1 Rifles Bands. He was presented on public parade with a Baritone instrument by the late Licutenant-Colonel Reader, and was promoted from Band Master to a Commission as Ensign and afterwards to the post of Lieutenant. Coming to Wellington he secured an appointment in the chief Post Office, which he held for about four years. In 1869 Mr. Bell went into business as a grain and produce merchant in Willis Street Afterwards he started hotel-keeping in Waipawa, where he continued for two years. Coming back to Wellington, he began business as a general carrier, founding a line of coaches to Island Bay In 1895 he had a short experience as licensee of the Island Bay notel. Mr. Bell, who is a widower with three sons and four daughters now resides at No 9, Moir Street, Wellington.